Swept Up In You

Tradie Lady #1

by Rian Birch

A light-hearted sapphic rom-com with witty banter and all round good feels.
Samantha Garner dreams of sailing away. If only her family business didn’t have her completely anchored down. A conversation has her plotting new paths that may just get her out to sea, if she can avoid hurting the people she loves most.

Taylor Scott knows what she wants. To build up her maintenance business, forget about her ex, and to not—definitely not—get into another relationship. Discovering a new boat shop by accident lands her a client she didn’t expect and can’t take her eyes off.

As their friendship grows, a games night leads to a spark they can’t ignore. While Sam questions everything she knows, Taylor must decide whether to keep her heart safe… or dive into the unknown.

Will they find common ground and sail off into the sunset, or will their relationship sink to the bottom before it even begins?

Swept Up In You is a fun and spicy coastal romance that will have you laughing, crying and craving puppy cuddles. Perfect for fans of Ashley Herring Blake and low angst romance, who love a splash of emotional growth with their happily ever after.

"Five Stars!! Rian does a fantastic job in Swept Up In You of making you laugh until there are happy tears, moments your heart will hurt, and the spice is just right." ~ Beta Reader

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction, Queer

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

About the author

Rian Birch writes fun, contemporary sapphic romance. She lives in Adelaide with her wife where she likes to potter in her backyard food forest and cycle to new cafes around the city. Every one of her childhood stories ended with her characters coming home and having a cup of tea. She promises to write new endings for her adult novels.

Reviews

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

**'It's always good to get rid of useless, futile and even nonsensical wordings, sentences, paragraphs and chapters that does not fit the final draft of your story. Readers analyzes even if you as a writer don't believe that they do..'

Okay read!
A somewhat average 1st book in the 'Tradie Lady' ongoing series. Wasn't too keen on their (Sam & Taylor) chemistry -- matter of fact never thought that there was any but enjoyed the supporting characters.

[John Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice Aussie seaside romance. Sam works in her dad's marine shop where one day Taylor runs into the shop asking for a clean top as she had spilled coffee all over hers. So begins a friendship. Add Belle, Taylor's cute pup, a yacht that Sam has been fixing up and an adventure looms. Had it's moments, but all was virtually done by 80% and the remainder all fluff. 3+stars.

[Aunt Missa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an average read for me. I was super interested to read about “tradies” because I can only take so much of all powerful, ceo of most successful pr agency in the world. Sadly, this didn’t really deliver for me. The writing was very surface level. I don’t feel like I really got to know Taylor or Sam at all. There was so much potential for both, their relationship, and even the marina community. There was nothing memorable for me, but it was an easy go of it.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful; from the moment Sam met Taylor, their friendship seemed destined to be extraordinary. The way their relationship developed into a beautiful love story was a truly delightful read.

The humour in this book was quite enjoyable, and I found myself laughing frequently. I absolutely adored Taylor's puppy, Belle; she was adorable. I also enjoyed the supporting characters; Jess, she was a wonderful friend to Taylor during difficult times, always ready to offer guidance and support.

The book was truly exceptional, captivating me from beginning to end. It contained all the elements of a wonderful story and included a beautiful love story as well.

I absolutely recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to what comes next from Rian.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[pears ✧ ☽ ☼ ଳ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️2.75⭐️
The dialogue was awkward to me and I think the writing lacked depth. There was also some millennial cringe 💀

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept Up In You by Rian Birch is a refreshing toaster-oven sapphic romance set on the beautiful Australian coast. I absolutely love the location and how their story revolves around boating and travel. Birch's descriptions are fantastic. The characters are likable and fun. One of the main characters is over 30. The other is not much younger. They are mature but have some room for growth and development on their journey. When Sam meets Taylor, she realizes that she doesn't know herself as well as she thought, but she and Taylor keep open communication and are supportive throughout, giving Sam space to accept herself. They both have a strong support system and a sense of self. Things move fairly quickly but feel organic and believable. Taylor and Sam are extremely adorable. They have amazing chemistry and some steamy moments. There is a nice epilogue to wrap things up. Also, there is a big, sweet, rowdy AmStaff pup. I love her! 
I was thrilled with this story. I really have no criticism. I love so much about it. It is comforting and hopeful. Taylor and Sam are living the dream! This is a good one to keep in your pocket for tougher days when you need a pick-me-up. Fantastic debut. Read it!
#toasteroven #comingout #mainover30 #Australia #boating #sailing #oceantravel #cutedog #HEA #supportivefamily #foundfamily #AmStaff #marina #beachread #paddleboard #sailboat #boatshop #debut #boatmaintenance #gamenights #epilogue
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Sapphic Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so damn cute and had me wanting to live on a boat. Then I remembered how prone to seasickness I am and this will stick to a fictional fantasy😅 This book is sweet and steamy and the perfect low angst read! I loved the best friends and absolutely adored Sam and Taylor together.

Pub Date: March 14th, 2025

Thank you to the author for a copy of this eARC.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the second book of the series first, so now I am going backward and realized Birch made an excellent debut in the sapphic fiction world. It’s a rather classic romance, but it’s effective, with easy to like characters that have backgrounds that give them depth, and it makes it easy to root for them. The boat scenes with the setting surrounding them felt so romantic. Sam identifies as straight at the beginning, but she very quickly realizes she is attracted to Taylor. What I liked is there was not big inner torture; she just accepted and went with it. Their relationship develops quickly, smoothly, and in a healthy way. And maybe that’s what I was searching for: more angst and obstacles. It was comfortable to read and really heartwarming. If you are in a low angst and sweet mood, this book is perfect.

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Swept Up in You: Tradie Lady Series, Book 1 (audiobook) by Rian Birch read Nina Nikolic.

Two women’s paths cross in a boat shop on the coast of Australia. They are both making plans for the future. And just maybe that future could be them as a couple sharing a wonderful adventure.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to review this book. I liked it but I didn't love it. Sam and Taylor's relationship moved way too quickly, but they aren't kids (Sam is 32 and I'm not sure about Taylor) so whatever works for them. I like the boating aspect a lot--mostly because it's not something I know about. I really liked Sam and how open she was to falling for a woman. And Belle, Taylor's dog, was super cute.

This isn't a memorable book and probably isn't one I'll reread, but I don't regret the time I spent with it. And I will probably continue to read the other books in this series.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet and low stress sapphic romance. I liked the characters and the story but it never gripped me as I read in a way that swept me up in the story/romance as it went along.

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little dog, boats and game nights!! what more could you want? Hmm... maybe only one bed, an almost kiss scene and some witty banter, but wait they're all included. Moreover you can find a meet cute, queer awakening, toaster oven, slow burn, waring each other clothes, an heart worming HEA and last but not least some very spicy secnes (unfortunately a bit short but good nontheless)

TW: death parent (mum), mention of cancer, neglectoing parents

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Garner, with her father Matt, runs Garner Marine, a hardware and diesel supplier for all things boat and yacht, near Karkalla Beach on the coast of South Australia. She is slowly restoring her yacht Manny, with the dream of circumnavigating Australia in the future, but in reality not knowing if that will ever happen.
Taylor had an emotional split with her girlfriend a few months back, which she is still obsessing over. Now she wants some ‘Taylor Time’ - just her and her puppy Bella, and her roommate Alex and friends. She does maintenance on caravans, and more lately, boats and yachts. She never knew Garner Marine existed until she found it (and Sam) after a spill.
This is a lovely book, full of warmth. Sam didn’t know she liked women that way until she met Taylor, she just knew that she never really wanted men. But once she realises… it becomes so hot 🔥
I really like the fact that these women talk, that they don’t hide amongst miscommunications and half truths. I read book two in this series first, and now reading the author’s first ever book, I think it is exceptionally good - in some ways I prefer it to book two, although both are good.

[Kelsey H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although the story was fine, I found that it lacked certain elements that I typically look for. The narrative seemed to remain at a superficial level, and the writing did not delve deeply into any characters' feelings, thoughts, emotions, or backgrounds in a way that truly engaged me and allowed me to invest in the story.

[Chelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept Up in You

New to me author, Rian Birch, charmed me with this tradie lady romance. Both Taylor and Sam are hot in their professions. Of course they meet and hit it off and start to develop feelings, which I enjoyed. Always love a good toaster oven romance, plus there are great supporting characters, a dolphin-loving puppo, and a yacht. But I think the clincher for me was that it was the lead up to the adventure ahead of them. It's a good story that leaves me wanting more. I look forward to more from this author.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I wasn’t swept along by the romance, I enjoyed the book.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slice of life that goes from happy to angsty as we hope our MCs find their way home to a HEA. The characters were authentic, as was the dialogue, as they followed their dreams.

[Susannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring I couldn’t even get through to the romance

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rian Birch is a new sapphic author from Australia, and I couldn’t be more excited about her debut novel, Swept Up in You. Sometimes, Aussie authors like to exaggerate the ocker-ness (can I make up words here?), which can be fun, but it’s lovely to read a story a little more relatable.

Sam adores her small seaside town, her dad, and her customers, but deep down, she knows she can’t stay there forever. Sailing her yacht around Australia is a dream she worries may never come true.

When Taylor stumbles into Sam’s shop, she isn’t expecting her entire life to change. But after meeting Sam, she is caught in a whirlwind of feelings – falling for a straight girl after a messy break up is never going to be a good idea, but the chemistry is real, and walking away is too hard.

Sam and Taylor’s relationship thrives, but when Sam’s hand is forced, they are both faced with making decisions that will alter the course of their lives.

There are so many reasons to adore Swept Up in You. From Sam and Taylor, who are really cute as they get to know one another, with some really awkward and funny texts and sweet touches to the classic Aussie language of ‘chippies’ and using the word ‘tic’ in relation to time. And of course there is Belle, the paddle boarding English staffy.

Make sure you check out this romance to see why Rian Birch will be an author to watch in the coming years.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content warnings: references to parent dying, references to cheating exes.

Rep: Sam (MC) is cis, white, and sapphic (no label really specified, but I could be forgetting). Taylor (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian.

Thank you to the author who sent me the audio advanced listening copy.

This was really sweet.
I love Aussie books, especially sapphic ones — they are few and far between.

The characters were great in this. I loved Sam's realisation that she is a baby gay. I loved the chemistry between her and Taylor - it was absolutely delicious to read.

I also loved Bella, the doggo! She was a delightful addition to this wonderful story.

The entire story was great from start to finish. I love that Taylor brought out a bolder side of Sam, who had resigned herself to never actually getting the courage up to tell her dad that she wanted to leave their store and go travelling around Australia in her restored yacht.

This review is all over the place, but I adored this one a lot.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun sweet story by a new to me author! The narrator was splendid as well! I am already looking forward to the next book!
Taylor meets Sam after spilling coffee all over herself and it starts a path that neither had seen coming. I love the whole cast of characters as well as the environment which made me long to visit and also to stay lost in the pages!
Low angst, toaster oven done fantastically! Recommend!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Sam and Taylor are absolutely adorable and I love the friends to lovers that takes place! Swoonworthy romance, low angst, and the most adorable furry friend Belle! I highly highly recommend, you won’t regret it!

[bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy & sweet! I didn’t really find it that funny for a rom-com, it wasn’t laugh out loud, but it was lighthearted and entertaining. I did find myself somewhat attached to the characters and hoping for the lovely HEA ⛵️⚓️

[Lu Diogenes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!
3⭐️1🌶️

[Micca B aka gigglybookgeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rian does a fantastic job in Swept Up In You of making you laugh until there are happy tears, moments your heart will hurt, a the spice is just right. This is a fun sapphic read, and I really hope you've watched Zoolander before to get my favorite line in the book. No spoilers, so l won't share it here.

Sam and her dad are just the sweetest. You are going to adore them. Their shop isn't just a place to get things. It feels like community was built with it. Then Taylor stumbles in for the first time, and what a first impression that is! You will get to know Sam and Taylor well, and you get a sense of who they are. It was fun getting to know them, their friends, and family.

Oh, and you get precious pup content!

You will meet so many other characters that you are also going to love, like I mentioned above. I am going to have to schedule a game night ASAP and look up some of these games to see if they are real or not. I already want a second book and get to know them more. It also almost has me wanting a SUP board. Almost. You will also end up hungry, so make sure you have a snack (that won't be nearly as good as the food you read about).

I don't want to give too much away, so it's hard to gush over my favorite parts. There are a few open door, detailed spice scenes that are great! It's not the over all theme of the book or take over the plot. I will say that I felt the emotions of the characters having gone through similar situations they did. Even without having gone through that, I think you will identify with them, and some of the situations they get themselves in, as well. You are definitely going to laugh! So, put on those life vests and dive in. You will not regret it.

Thank you to Rian for letting me be a part of the Beta team, give honest feedback, and an honest review. It was an honor and so much fun.

[Camcam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a simple and super cute romcom it's perfect

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - sapphic, contemporary, toaster-oven, mc-has-dog. Pretty decent, but fell a bit flat for me. This was a very low angst, cozy beach read, but I felt like the plot and side characters ended up being a bit forgettable in the end. I do think the coastal setting was well done, I just wish more happened or we got to see more boating.

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF'd at 50% - this book was really juvenile and sounds like something a high schooler wrote 🥹

I'd give it 0 stars if I could

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet romance and perfect read with spring just around the corner. The setting was so dreamy it made me want to move to a small coastal town. I absolutely loved the side characters/group of friends, especially Belle! In all honesty, I was hooked from page one and flew through it. Thanks god there was two more books in the series to look forward to!

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one but I just could not get into it at all. All the supposed to be cute moments in it just seemed so forced and not authentic.